Rain storms to hit from India to Germany to Ohio

The long-awaited monsoon rain has begun across parts of southwestern India; however, flooding has already impacted several communities.

Heavy downpours lashing Mangaluru on Tuesday resulted in widespread flooding and forcing schools to be closed through Wednesday.

Rainfall totaled 334 mm (13.14 inches) in parts of the city, setting a new all-time 24-hour rainfall record. The old record was 330 mm (12.99 inches) set back in June of 1982.

Flooding and thunderstorms have claimed at least three lives in Mangaluru and Udupi, according to First Post.

While the heaviest rain has left Kerala and southern Karnataka, additional downpours into this weekend can trigger new flooding with the ground left saturated.

The monsoon has officially begun in these areas, according to the India Meteorological Department. However, downpours capable of causing flooding can still plague other parts of the country.

Thunderstorms will also rumble into this weekend elsewhere across South India, especially from the west coast to the Western Ghats, as well as parts of Andhra Pradesh, southern Telangana, Odisha, West Bengal and into northeastern India.

The afternoon and evening hours will be the most active times of the days.

Hot and humid weather persisting in Alberto's wake will help to fuel a round of severe weather on Thursday with its sights set on the upper Mississippi Valley and lower Ohio Valley.

On Thursday afternoon, temperatures will soar to near 90 degrees Fahrenheit across the southeastern United States and lower Ohio Valley, including areas from St. Louis to Louisville.

This unusually warm weather will combine with an incoming area of unsettled weather, creating an atmosphere prime for strong thunderstorms to develop.

During Thursday afternoon and evening, areas of thunderstorms are expected to form quickly before sweeping through the region. These storms will be capable of producing strong winds which can down trees and power lines, resulting in power outages and property damage. Heavy, flooding rainfall will also be a threat, with rainfall rates as high as 2.5 inches per hour.

These storms can also contain hail, which can cause significant damage to cars, homes and agriculture.

Residents should take care to secure outdoor furniture ahead of any storms. They should also stay up to date on local watches and warnings throughout the afternoon and overnight hours, and keep a fully charged cell phone on with weather alerts enabled or keep a NOAA weather radio nearby.

Germany has been slammed in recent days by thunderstorms that have caused travel disruptions and flash flooding, and more powerful storms are on the way.

Two women were seriously injured after being struck by lightning on Sunday, according to the Associated Press.

New rounds of violent thunderstorms are set to erupt across Germany over the next few days.

These thunderstorms will elevate the risk for travel disruptions while also threatening outdoor events across the country.

Events such as Fressgass’ Fest in Frankfurt and the Weindorf Wine Festival in Würzburg could be impacted by the adverse weather.

Thunderstorms will be widespread across the country into Saturday.

"Flash flooding and frequent lightning are expected to be the greatest risks from these thunderstorms due to their slow movement," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Kristina Pydynowski.

A few of the thunderstorms may also produce damaging winds and hail. ■